TWO teenagers have been found shot dead in an Arizona national forest less than a week into their summer vacation.
Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17, were found in Tonto National Forest near Mount Ord on May 27.
Both deaths, which were listed to May 26, have been listed as homicides by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Authorities are regarding the situation surrounding the couple’s death as “suspicious,” with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office disclosing they had sustained gunshot wounds.
Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said: “At this time, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious.”
Both deaths, which were listed to May 26, have been listed as homicides by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The deceased duo were friends who went to Arcadia High School in Phoenix.
Their friends have made makeshift memorial near Mount Ord – a spot where the pair would often watch the sunset – according to Fox 10 Phoenix.
Evan’s coworker Iara Rosales said: “You just cherish all the memories and the laughs.
“His life was cut very short, and so was Pandora’s.
“They were very young, and it was just so sudden and a tragedy that you wouldn’t even imagine.”
Fundraisers have been set up to help pay for the two teens’ funerals.
Kathryn Leonard, who established a GoFundMe for Pandora’s funeral, expressed: “She possessed a lively personality with a contagious smile that brought happiness to many.
“She was a wonderful soul and a shining presence in this world, who loved every individual she encountered and had an extraordinary talent for making everyone feel important.
“She loved music in all of its forms and enjoyed playing violin, cello and guitar.
“The outdoors is where she truly felt at home. She loved camping, horseback riding, kayaking and hiking with friends and family.
Evan’s mother Sandra Malibu Sweeney said: “Evan Clark was my only child and my beloved son. “This last week Evan was taken from me, and my level of grief feels insurmountable.
“I find myself at a complete loss to imagine a life without him.
“It is a small comfort to share some things about this boy who was on his way to becoming a wonderful man.”
The tragic deaths have sparked concern in the area’s hiking community.
“If there’s something going on in the area. I’m here with my child. I’d like to know if we’re safe,” one community member told Fox 10 Phoenix.
Another said: “Obviously respecting the people’s families and not get into those personal details, but I would want to know how we can all be safe.”
